Rambouillet Biennale of Animal Sculpture and Painting 2026

The Rambouillet Biennale of Animal Sculpture and Painting returns in 2026 for its seventeenth edition, confirming its standing as one of France's leading showcases for animal art. Organised by Rambouillet Arts et Partage, the exhibition brings together sculptors and painters from several countries every two years around a shared focus: the representation of the animal world. For just over two weeks, the Salle R. Patenôtre hosts the works selected by a demanding jury, alongside pieces by invited guests of honour. The 2024 edition welcomed around 85 artists and more than 180 works, drawing some 2,000 visitors, with a parallel programme that included a public vote, jury awards and dedicated school displays. The event keeps faith with its mission to promote the fine arts: during the biennale there is an opening reception attended by local officials and sponsors, the Rambouillet Arts et Partage Grand Prize and the honorary awards, and the traditional follow-up show of previous winners at the Banque Populaire Val de France offices. For travellers based in Paris, Rambouillet is straightforward to reach by train, and the hotel offer within walking distance of the venue is varied and convenient. For English-speaking visitors, the biennale is a chance to see a firmly established French tradition in which animal sculpture is treated as a genre in its own right, with works in resin, bronze, stone and wood, and a strong presence of artists from across Europe. The event blends a professional character — encounters between artists, gallerists and collectors — with an open invitation to the general public.